The Calgary Flames lost Michael Frolik to injury this week and were forced to recall Andrew Mangiapane from the farm team in Stockton. An NHL team that reaches down to the minor league affiliate to find a winger scoring at more than a point-per-game is either good, damn good, or lucky — possibly all three.

For Peter Chiarelli and the Edmonton Oilers’ brass, Mangiapane’s presence in Stockton serves as a reminder of just how much work needs to be done in repairing their own farm system. The Oilers need Mangiapane way more than the Flames, but the northern NHL city in Alberta has no such recall available.

Last year’s playoff run was a feel-good moment for fans and the organization but the heavy work remains. For the Oilers to succeed, they must have better depth across all positions. Building the system must be a big part of rebuilding the NHL team, and a long-term solution must be the goal. Put simply, you can’t fill every hole in-season...